New 55 Gallon

[Ripley]

So a month after purchasing the tank (before Christmas because it was on a really good sale), and spending the month building the new stand, and oh, about $500+ into the entire thing (tank, stand, sand, decorations, new fish)...

Inhabitants include 1 spotted climbing perch, 3 swordtails, 8 small tiger barbs, 1 betta, 1 borneo (hillstream) loach, 3 congo tetras (adding 3 more when a new shipment arrives), 1 spotted raphael catfish, and 1 bumblee catfish (the last two are my boyfriend's contribution to the tank - he's a catfish fanatic.)

And a pic of my 20 gallon.

Inhabitants: 1 betta, 5 honey gourami's (3 normal, 2 sunset), 3 platies, and some pygmy cories.

 

[groovitudedude]

Pretty sweet tanks you got there! I remember when I first got my 55 Gallon. I was ecstatic and was like "This thing is HUGE!"! Congratulations!

 

[Ripley]

Pretty sweet tanks you got there! I remember when I first got my 55 Gallon. I was ecstatic and was like "This thing is HUGE!"! Congratulations!

Thanks! It does seem quite large compared to the 33g I had before. And the best part is that when we built the stand - we built it big enough to hold a 75g, so I can easily upgrade if I choose to in the future!

 

[paul_219]

Very nice tank looking gr8.

 

[tropical1]

might wanna watch those tiger barbs with tthe rest of the fish. i have 3 that are around 2" and they kill everything in the tank.

 

[Ripley]

Thanks Paul.

Tropical - I think I'm safe with my tiger barbs as they are currently the smallest fish in the tank (quite tiny, under 1 inch). In fact, they are in more danger from the spotted climbing perch than anything is from them.

 

[DiscusKeeper403]

Just wait for those barbs, they are going to destroy those bettas fins.


Raphael catfish they will also most likely eat your little fish. Bumble bee catfish get big, and can get nasty. They too, will eat your fish. You really should have looked into compatibility, same goes for your boyfriend, that was a bad contribution.


Both catfish should get to be about 5-6 inches.

 

[dortiz24]

Beautiful tanks!

 

[nukeonekitty]

Nice looking set up!

 

[Ripley]

DL - The betta is a Plakat, so the fins are less of an issue. But even less now because the tiger barbs have been taken back (or other reasons, not aggression issues). I was aware (as was my boyfriend) of the size of the catfish when they mature. Thank you for your concern, but I doubt they will be a problem (with the spotted climbing perch, there will be no small fish in my tank) and if they are, I can take them back.

I have also replaced the swordtails with two pearl gouramis - I feel these will match the tank better in the end.

Thank you dortiz and nukeonekitty!